US-Russia Diplomats Convene In Riyadh As Saudi Hosts Meet To End Ukraine War; Kyiv, Europe Sidelined

Senior diplomats from Moscow and Washington are set to meet in Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, to discuss key global issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Europe finds itself largely sidelined in these high-stakes negotiations.

Russia-Ukraine Talks Without Kyiv's Involvement

While the discussions mark an initial attempt to address the nearly three-year-old conflict in Ukraine, both parties have indicated that significant progress is unlikely.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz will engage with Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, to deliberate on the war.

The meeting follows US President Donald Trump's discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, after which the US Defence Secretary ruled out Ukraine's accession to NATO.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the discussions would focus on "restoring the full spectrum of Russian-American relations," alongside potential negotiations on Ukraine and preparations for a future meeting between Trump and Putin.

Ukraine's exclusion from the talks has drawn sharp criticism from President Volodymyr Zelensky, who accused the US of attempting to appease Putin.

"Now they are saying things that are very favourable to him," Zelensky remarked. He further insisted, "We will not sign just anything for the sake of applause," emphasising that "the fate of our state for generations to come" was at risk.

However, he acknowledged that "a Ukrainian victory is impossible without US support."

Zelensky has previously expressed willingness to meet Putin but insists that Kyiv and its allies must first establish a unified position on ending the war.

Trump's push for a swift resolution presents an opportunity for Moscow to press its long-standing demands regarding US military presence in Europe. Russia has consistently sought to diminish NATO's footprint, calling for the withdrawal of allied troops and military assets from former Soviet-influenced nations-demands it made prior to its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

On the battlefield, Russia has made significant territorial gains, pushing Ukrainian forces back across the 1,000-kilometre-long frontline and reclaiming a village in the western Kursk region.

Contentious US Proposal for Gaza

Rubio is also set to discuss a controversial US proposal concerning Gaza with Saudi officials. This follows Trump's suggestion to "take over" the region and relocate millions of Palestinians. While Washington has signalled openness to alternative proposals from Arab nations, Rubio has stated that "the only plan is the Trump plan."

The US State Department confirmed that Rubio met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reiterating the importance of a Gaza framework that enhances regional security. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the discussions covered both regional and global security challenges.

These talks take place just days before a Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Riyadh, where Egypt is expected to propose a "comprehensive vision" for Gaza's reconstruction-one that explicitly rejects any forced displacement of Palestinians.

Europe Marginalised in Diplomatic Efforts

Zelensky warned that Europe's security position remains vulnerable without US backing. He acknowledged that while European defence capabilities have improved, they still fall short in critical areas: "In terms of troop strength, combat readiness, fleet size, air force, and drone capabilities... Europe is weak today," he admitted.

As European leaders convened in Paris for an emergency security summit, Lavrov dismissed their potential involvement in any Ukraine-related talks. "I don't see what role they would play at the negotiating table... If their intention is to prolong the war, then why invite them?" he remarked in a Moscow press briefing.

Saudi Arabia's Return to Diplomatic Centre Stage

With Europe unable to act as a neutral venue for US-Russia dialogue, Saudi Arabia-once regarded as a diplomatic outcast by the Biden administration-has regained prominence under Trump.

The kingdom's growing influence follows its cautious stance in global conflicts. While it refrained from taking sides in the Ukraine war, Saudi Arabia maintains close energy ties with Russia and has pledged substantial humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

Saudi Arabia's return to international diplomacy also comes after Qatar successfully brokered a fragile ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Once a pariah following the 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Saudi Arabia is now positioning itself as a key mediator in global affairs.